The San Antonio Spurs have a rich history of success, which has become deeply ingrained in their culture.
Their dynasty, in which they won several championships, has convinced players like Dylan Harper that they are a winning organization.
The 2025 NBA Draft had two clear-cut picks between the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Everybody knew the Mavs were selecting Cooper Flagg with the #1 pick, and the Spurs were picking Harper. And both teams hit the jackpot with their prospects, as they have star-level potential.
Harper knows he will be playing for the right team for his development. The Spurs’ history of success resonated with him, making San Antonio the perfect spot to play.
Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty ImagesThe San Antonio Spurs are the perfect team for Dylan Harper
As the most prominent prospect after Flagg, Harper must live up to some hefty expectations.
But despite the pressure, the guard from Rutgers is ready for the challenge. He knows what playing for the Spurs entails, and he wants to be part of a championship-winning core.
With teammates like Rookie of the Year winners Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama, the future is bright.
Harper is in a logjam in the backcourt with Castle and De’Aaron Fox, but at least the team should be good. They have the potential to be difference-makers in the Western Conference in the 2025-26 season.
Wemby: “Hey, I play for the Spurs. My name is Vic.”
Harper: “I know who you is. My name is Dylan. I just got drafted to the Spurs.”
Wemby: “We lit.”pic.twitter.com/WFR64nhuRo
— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) June 26, 2025
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Harper is glad to play in San Antonio for a team with a history led by team president Gregg Popovich. Players like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Tony Parker were part of this team and won championships.
“I’m grateful to be in this position to be part of this organization. Growing up, this was one of the teams you always wanted to play for.
“Seeing their dynasty and building on the banners. I want to add a few more,” Harper said in his introductory press conference.
No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper on being with the San Antonio Spurs:
“Growing up this was one of the teams you always wanted to play for. Seeing their dynasty… and wanting to add a few more [banners]” pic.twitter.com/HRnomoPk9M
— NBA (@NBA) June 28, 2025
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The San Antonio Spurs organization feels like a family
Another reason why Harper is glad to play in San Antonio is the overall atmosphere. It is one of the most tight-knit NBA franchises, so everyone interacts with each other.
It is also a bonus to have legends like Duncan, Popovich, and Manu Ginobili still present within the organization.
Their mere presence makes new players feel comfortable, as it shows the team stays loyal to everyone. They make everyone feel like a cohesive unit, from the staff in the facility to past and present players.
“The family atmosphere. The loyalty they bring in, just how everyone is connected from the organization 20 years ago to now.
“Yesterday, I’m working out, and I randomly see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, and Manu Ginobili. That’s not something you’ll see in any other organization,” Harper continued.
“The family atmosphere… Yesterday, I’m working out and I randomly see Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovich, and Manu Ginobili. That’s not something you’ll see in any other organization.”
Dylan Harper on the Spurs culture 🙌
(via @spurs, h/t @HectorLedesmaTV) pic.twitter.com/yhQiY02A1J
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 28, 2025
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If the Spurs live up to the hype and the Detroit Pistons continue their progress, Dylan might play against his brother.
Ron Harper Jr. plays for the Pistons, and he already hopes they will face off in the NBA Finals. That is possible, as they are potential contenders, especially with Dylan looking like a future star.